Quick Recap: Planning And Arriving In Bad Gastein
In the first part of this blog series, I discussed how my wife and I planned our first trip to the Austrian Alps in the summer of 2023. After some research using the Hilton Grand Vacations website and our HGV Max membership, we settled on the MONDI Hotel Bellevue Gastein in Bad Gastein, Austria. We were able to book a 1-Bedroom Suite for a week, which provided comfortable accommodations for me, my wife and our son, Zak.
The town’s “Belle Époque” architecture style makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. The Suite offered plenty of room for the three of us, with a kitchen, a large dining area, and a large collapsible wall bed for Zak. The view of the enchanting town and the surrounding mountains from our balcony was breathtaking.
Our resort was in the heart of the town. The main entrance was near restaurants and shops, while the back entrance was a few hundred yards from the famous Bad Gastein waterfall in the town center. The parking lot up the hill was near the Bellevue Alm alpine lodge which offered panoramic views of the town and winter ski activities. The Stubnerkogel peak, a 10-minute walk from the resort, features Austria’s tallest walking bridge. It is accessible on foot or by cable car from the train station.
We also visited many nearby sites and castles featured in films and television, such as Salzburg, Hohenwerfen Castle and Hallstatt, known as the world’s most “Instagrammable” village. One of our main purposes for this trip, however, was to explore the majestic Austrian Alps. We found this to be a relatively easy task when based in a location like Bad Gastein and with access to a suitable car to explore the region.
Planning Our Trip To The Mountains
Our plan was to explore the scenic lakes, mountain passes and eventually Grossglockner, the highest peak of the Eastern Alps. For our trip, we relied on a MINI Countryman, a car rented for its ability to negotiate tight corners, climb mountain passes, and comfortably carry three passengers with luggage while remaining fuel-efficient. As with any outdoor trip, we also prepared by bringing emergency flashlights, warm clothes, battery chargers, and a full tank of gas. The facilities in the Austrian Alps provide strong network coverage, an emergency hotline for stranded tourists, and electric charging stations at many points along the mountain ranges. T-Mobile customers in the USA can enjoy free wireless network connection across most of Germany, Austria and Italy. A higher-speed connection is also available for an additional daily fee. Other major U.S. networks, such as Verizon and AT&T, also offer global plans for European travel.
Venturing To The Foothills Of The Austrian Alps
The first stop on our trip was the scenic Thumersbach Park, a little over an hour’s drive from our resort. The park offers free parking and a great view of the Alps with a serene environment from which to enjoy the scenery overlooking the towns of Zell am See, Kaprun, and the majestic High Tauern mountains. From there, we drove past the tiny village of Fusch, at the foothills of the Alps, which features a scenic waterfall. This is the last stop to refuel your car or recharge your batteries before heading up the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, one of Europe's great mountain passes that winds through nearly 300 peaks and connects the Salzburg and Carinthia regions of Austria across the Alps.
Visiting Edelweißspitze
The High Alpine Road is one of Europe’s most popular mountain passes, snaking through the Hohe Tauern National Park with more than 300 peaks. There are numerous trails, lakes and observation points along the pass. As we climb higher, the scenery dramatically changes from lush green forests to snow-covered mountains. The highest point on the road offers an observation tower at nearly 8,000 feet in elevation at the peak Edelweißspitze. Next to the peak is a lodge and restaurant where we stopped for lunch and enjoyed stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Grossglockner, The Highest Peak Of The Eastern Alps
One of the main attractions on the pass is Grossglockner, the highest peak of the Eastern Alps, towering at over 12,000 feet. The best view of this peak is from the observation tower across the glacier. This location offers a large parking lot, shops, restaurants and access to trails and glacier tours. If you take one of the tours or explore any of the trails, make sure to have up to 3 hours available and wear appropriate clothing. Even during the summer, snow and ice cover most areas outside the road and facilities.
Another must-see attraction on the pass is one of the many beautiful small lakes near the peaks, many of which are accessible from designated parking areas. After our excursion, we had an enjoyable ride back to our resort, with the afternoon sun glistening on the snowy peaks.
Final Thoughts
We found the MONDI Hotel Bellevue Gastein in Bad Gastein to be a perfect base for exploring the Austrian Alps and nearby attractions. The resort offered a perfect balance of comfort, history and alpine living with attentive staff and well-arranged facilities. The location allowed us to make day trips to mountain passes, towns and lakes in the foothills of the Austrian Alps. The scenic view, excursion opportunities, and family-friendly vibe make Bad Gastein an ideal vacation destination for couples and families.
Key Takeaways
Bad Gastein Makes an Ideal Base: Its central location supports easy access to alpine roads lakes and iconic peaks.
Scenic Drives Are a Highlight: Routes like the Grossglockner High Alpine Road deliver unforgettable mountain views.
Preparation Improves the Experience: Warm layers, charged devices, and fuel planning are essential in alpine environments.
Family Travel Is Very Manageable: Well-maintained roads, resorts and facilities support stress-free exploration.
Alpine Landscapes Change Quickly: Expect dramatic shifts from green valleys to snow-covered peaks in a single drive.
FAQs
Q: Where is the best place to stay when visiting Bad Gastein?
A: Staying at a centrally located resort like MONDI Hotel Bellevue Gastein offers convenient access to local attractions, dining and unforgettable alpine views.
Q: What are the must-see attractions near Bad Gastein?
A: Highlights include the Bad Gastein waterfall, Stubnerkogel peak, Lake Zell, Grossglockner High Alpine Road, and nearby historic towns like Salzburg and Hallstatt.
Q: : Is it easy to explore the Austrian Alps from Bad Gastein?
A: Yes, Bad Gastein is an excellent base for day trips, with scenic roads and well-connected routes leading to lakes, mountain passes and national parks.
Q: What should you bring for a trip into the Austrian Alps?
A: Pack warm layers, emergency supplies, snacks and ensure your vehicle is fueled or charged, as conditions can vary significantly at higher altitudes.
